Production: How to Create Three Point Lighting

Three point lighting is the basic design used in most set ups
today. Though it seems simple, this can become the stepping stone from
which you build a magnificent scene.

Step 1: Key Light

This is the first element to the three point lighting set up. The key
light is what is used to light the subject. In the most basic set up,
this light is set at exposure. However, if you are creating a dark and
moody scene, you would probably set it below exposure to create
"low-key" lighting. If you are simulating a bright sunny day, you would
probably set it above exposure to create "high-key" lighting. The
placement of this light can be anywhere from 45 degrees to 90 degrees
from the subject-to-camera sight line. This is the most flattering
angle, not only for the person's face, but also for the cinematographer
who will be avoiding "flat" light. This position allows for shadows that
will show off the contour of a face.

Step 2: Fill Light

The next light to set up is a fill light. Generally, this is an
extremely soft source. Kino-Flos and LED lights have become very popular
for this purpose. You can also bounce a hard source into a white card
to get a more natural effect. The purpose of this light source is to
fill in and soften the shadows that are being caused by the key light.
You will not want to completely eliminate these shadows, only finesse
them. So the fill light should be below the exposure of the key light.
How far below is up to you and the type of scene you are lighting. In
extremely dark scenes, you may even consider going with no fill.
However, you then become in danger of having that side of the face go
completely black.

Step 3: Back Light

The final piece of the three point lighting set up is the back light.
The main purpose of this light is to illuminate the back of the
person's hair and shoulders in order to separate them from the
background. Setting up the light behind the subject, but still out of
frame, can be tricky. Basically, you are trying to achieve a bright rim
that will outline the person's shape. This does not need to be
particularly intense. It can be just enough to get the job done. This
light is especially important for green screen work in order to keep the
person from blending into the green. The back light can also be used as
a glamor effect. If a model has luscious flowing hair, why not try to
accent it.

Step 4: Building

You may have noticed that every light source we have discussed has
been pointed at the subject. Since you do not want the character sitting
in a dark room, you can now build on this basic set up and paint the
background. As is, you have control over the two elements independently
of each other.

Three point lighting is a great place to start when you are learning
the art of cinematography. However, as you progress, you will never
truly abandon it.